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the_schaef's review
4.0
A very typical Baldacci book. A great story with plenty of action. A little scary when you consider the role of a PM. A lot of fun to read.
ryodragon20's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jacqueshol's review
5.0
What a pleasant surprise. I have often come across David Baldacci's books but never read any of them. However, on a long drive yesterday, on the insistence of my father, I listened to The Whole Truth on Scribd and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narration too was first-class.
The action and suspense had a Bourne feel about it, and I am surprised that a film hasn't been made based on the book. The writing was excellent throughout with relatable and well-developed characters. Twists and turn abound, but not ludicrously so.
I noticed there is one more book in the series, and frankly, I am surprised. I would have thought that Baldacci could have written an extensive series based on the Shaw character. I can't wait to read more of David Baldacci's books.
The action and suspense had a Bourne feel about it, and I am surprised that a film hasn't been made based on the book. The writing was excellent throughout with relatable and well-developed characters. Twists and turn abound, but not ludicrously so.
I noticed there is one more book in the series, and frankly, I am surprised. I would have thought that Baldacci could have written an extensive series based on the Shaw character. I can't wait to read more of David Baldacci's books.
kduffy's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I've read both books in the series now and the main character is really appealing. The book was exciting and the techno gadgets used in his trade were cool.
judithdcollins's review
3.0
I read Shaw #2 prior to #1 and both were good; however, liked #2 better. David does a great job and I especially like his audio books. Look forward to reading more!
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
The Whole Truth is a thriller about the head of a weapons manufacturing company (Nicolas Creel) who hires a perception management company to plant false information about Russian atrocities, with the aim of creating a Cold War between Russia and China that will cause all the world's superpowers to increase defence spending. At the same time, we are introduced to our hero Shaw, who works for an unnamed and mysterious international law enforcement agency. Shaw's fiancee, Anna, has suspicions about the false media reports and this will eventually lead to Shaw being pulled into a vendetta against Creel.
I read The Whole Truth while on holiday recently and after a slightly slow start, I thought it made an ideal fast-paced and mindless holiday read. Yes, the plot is silly, but if you decide to just go with it, it's entertaining enough. I did get irritated by the cardboard characters throughout (one of whom never gets referred to as anything but "Miss Hottie") and the romance between Shaw and Anna never feels even remotely realistic.
My husband read this book after me, devoured it in a day and rated it more highly than I did. He also had far less problem with the characters than I did and was entirely comfortable with Shaw's mysterious occupation. While it sounds sexist, I do think this is a book than men will enjoy more than women. You can decide for yourself if that means that women are more discerning or perhaps that we are more innately critical. Having said that, the way that the book ends implies that there may be a sequel and if there is, I'd read it.
I read The Whole Truth while on holiday recently and after a slightly slow start, I thought it made an ideal fast-paced and mindless holiday read. Yes, the plot is silly, but if you decide to just go with it, it's entertaining enough. I did get irritated by the cardboard characters throughout (one of whom never gets referred to as anything but "Miss Hottie") and the romance between Shaw and Anna never feels even remotely realistic.
My husband read this book after me, devoured it in a day and rated it more highly than I did. He also had far less problem with the characters than I did and was entirely comfortable with Shaw's mysterious occupation. While it sounds sexist, I do think this is a book than men will enjoy more than women. You can decide for yourself if that means that women are more discerning or perhaps that we are more innately critical. Having said that, the way that the book ends implies that there may be a sequel and if there is, I'd read it.
papidoc's review
2.0
Just didn't do it for me. Had all the right elements, but there was something stilted, formulaic, or maybe just a bit amateurish about it. Seems odd to say about an author as established and well-liked by many as Baldacci, but so it is.
littletaiko's review
3.0
In an effort to reach a personal goal of clearing books from my shelf that have been there since at least before 2013 when I started tracking the year I purchased them, I picked up this book since I knew it would be a quick read. I was right, this was a typical Baldacci book with lots of page-turning action and a rather worrisome plot when you consider how much of it could be true.